Edward D. Basta

Edward Basta, BSE '82, believes the state of Cleveland depends on Cleveland State University. "The students are our future, the CEOs of tomorrow," he says.

Basta describes his own CSU experience as non‐traditional. "I attended Fenn College of Engineering from January 1975 through June 1982 on a continual, part‐time/night classes basis until graduation while working full time at Republic Steel and starting our family of three sons."

He and his classmates were the last undergraduates to complete Metallurgical Engineering‐related degrees -- the department was discontinued in 1980. Despite this challenge, he proudly states that attending CSU/Fenn College, and the College's support of his career goals, enabled him to attain his engineering degree and pursue a successful career, including starting a successful consulting firm in 2002.

His inspiration for making a bequest gift to CSU was based entirely on his gratitude to the

University for its invaluable contribution to his success as an engineer as well as a small

business owner.

"I know our gift to CSU will help support the non‐traditional, married or single‐parent students that so desperately need financial assistance to achieve their career goals and dreams," he says.

Basta believes in "always doing the right thing, as well as doing things right" and he encourages today's students to focus on the basic concepts of character and integrity as they move toward their career goals.

"I have found that staying firm to these core values will do just as much as good grades for career success and higher earnings," he says.